Universal coupling spout apparatus

Abstract

A flexible, generally tubular shaped spout device for use in dispensing fluids from containers having threaded or unthreaded openings. A hemispherical flange is included on a lower open end of the spout device which allows for flexible enlargement of a sealing ring upon compression of the external surfaces of the flange. Dimensions of the flexible spout are such that the spout may be centrally folded and latched in a retaining ring to create a seal between the lower open end and the upper open end of the spout.

I claim: 
     
       1. The universal coupling spout apparatus comprising: a. a flexible conduit portion having an internal surface and an external surface,   b. said conduit portion having at least one connecting portal at one end and at least one dispensing portal at the other,   c. an annular sealing ring formed on the end of said flexible conduit portion at said connecting portal,   d. a flexible flange connected to and extending upwardly and outwardly from said external surface of said flexible conduit, adjacent said connecting portal;   e. said flexible flange adapted to flexibly rotate at least a portion of said annular sealing ring outwardly about its circumference when a compressive force is applied to the outwardly and upwardly extending portion of said flexible flange.   
     
     
       2. The coupling spout of claim 1 wherein said flexible conduit portion is adapted to be folded to create a seal between said connecting portal and said dispensing portal. 
     
     
       3. The coupling spout of claim 2 wherein said flexible flange includes a retaining means for retaining said flexible conduit portion in said folded position thereby maintaining said seal. 
     
     
       4. The coupling spout of claim 1 wherein said flexible flange is adapted to form a concave cavity with said external surface of said flexible conduit portion. 
     
     
       5. A universal coupling spout apparatus comprising: a. a pliable, generally tubular portion having inside and outside surfaces and an upper open end held in ducted communication with a lower open end,   b. said inside surface of said tubular portion including an annular sealing ring of smaller diameter than said tubular portion directly adjacent and interior to said lower end,   c. said lower end being adapted to form a flared shroud extending outwardly and upwardly from said lower end,   d. said lower end being adapted to flexibly rotate said annular sealing ring outwardly about its toroidal axis when a constrictive force is applied to the outwardly and upwardly extending portion of said flared shroud formed by said lower end.   
     
     
       6. The coupling spout of claim 5 wherein: a. said pliable, tubular portion is adapted to allow a folded relation between said upper and lower ends, constricting said ducted communication between said upper and lower ends.   
     
     
       7. The coupling spout of claim 6, wherein said flared shroud includes a retaining means for retaining said pliable, generally tubular portion in said folded position thereby maintaining said seal. 
     
     
       8. The coupling spout of claim 5 wherein said flared shroud is adapted to catch liquid traveling down said outside surface of said tubular portion when said coupling spout is in a raised position. 
     
     
       9. A universal coupling spout apparatus comprising: a. a hollow generally frustroconical section having a smaller open end held in ducted communication with a larger open end,   b. said larger open end of said frustroconical section adapted to form an orifice,   c. a hemispherical section adapted to extend outwardly from said larger open end of said frustroconical section,   d. said hemispherical section extending from said orifice outwardly and upwardly toward said smaller open end,   e. said hemispherical section being adapted to flexibly expand said orifice when a compressive force is applied equatorially to said hemispherical section.   
     
     
       10. The coupling spout of claim 9 wherein said frustroconical section being adapted to be bent to create a generally fluid tight crease seal between said larger open end of said frustroconical section and said smaller open end of said frustroconical section. 
     
     
       11. The coupling spout of claim 10 wherein said hemispherical section includes a retaining means for maintaining said frustroconical section in said bent condition thereby maintaining said crease seal. 
     
     
       12. The coupling spout of claim 9 wherein: a. said hemispherical section is adapted to retain liquid adhering to and traveling down said frustroconical section when said coupling spout is in a raised position.   
     
     
       13. Removably attaching coupling spout comprising a flexible tubular section, a reduced diameter sealing ring and flexible flange to a container having an outlet, comprising the steps of: a. compressing said flexible flange effecting the enlargement of said sealing ring,   b. placing said sealing ring over said outlet on said container,   c. relaxing said flexible flange effecting the constriction of said sealing ring.   
     
     
       14. The method of claim 13 comprising the further steps of: a. detaching said coupling spout by: 1. compressing said flexible flange effecting the enlargement of said sealing ring,   2. forcing said coupling spout off said container.     
     
     
       15. A method of controlling the flow of fluid escaping from a container with an outlet comprising the steps of: a. Attaching a coupling spout comprising a flexible tubular section, a reduced diameter sealing ring and a flexible flange to a container having an outlet, comprising the steps of: 1. compressing said flexible flange effecting the enlargement of said sealing ring,   2. placing said sealing ring over said outlet on said container,   3. relaxing said flexible flange effecting the constriction of said sealing ring;     b. inverting said container causing fluid to escape from said container,   c. bending said flexible tubular section to direct said escaping fluid,   d. compressing said flexible tubular section to constrict the flow of said escaping fluid.